Head Chef

Lotus HR and Recruitment; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Lotus HR and Recruitment is seeking an experienced senior chef in the Paarl area. The role requires a culinary qualification and 5–10 years of chef experience, including at least 3 years in a senior/management capacity.

You will oversee diverse cuisines, large-group catering, and event/menu planning with focus on dietary requirements and cost control. You will manage budgets, stock, and supplier relationships while maintaining ethical, sustainable sourcing practices.

Qualifications

• Culinary qualification required.
• 5–10 years experience as a chef, including 3+ years in senior/management role.
• Experience in diverse cuisines and large-group catering.
• Strong menu planning and dietary accommodation experience.
• Experience in budgeting, stock ordering, and stock rotation.
• Proven track record in ethical, cost-effective, sustainable sourcing and supplier relationships.
• Excellent problem solving and communication skills; strong interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s licence, own car and clean criminal and credit records.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Budget management

Menu planning

Supplier relationship management

Leadership

Dietary requirements

Education

Culinary qualification

Tools

Budgeting software

Job description

KEY REQUIREMENTS TO MEET FOR CONSIDERATION:

• You will have a culinary qualification plus 5 – 10 years experience as a chef with 3+ years at a senior/management level.
• You must have experience in diverse cuisines and large-group catering, as well as having a finger on the pulse of catering to a variety of dietary requirements, specifically in terms of menu planning.
• You will have experience in managing budgets, stock ordering, stock rotation and developing innovative recipes for event and conference catering.
• In addition you will have solid track record in ethical, cost effective and sustainable food sourcing, as well as building relationships with suppliers.
• Exceptional problem solving, interpersonal and communication skills are essential, coupled with a passion for good food and good people.
• You must have a valid driver's licence, own car and a clear criminal and credit record

Please note that should you not be currently resident in the region and area advertised but still wish to apply, the cost of travel for interviews and relocation will be for your expense.

Due to the exceptionally high volume of applications, we are unable to correspond with each applicant personally, therefore only relevant and suitable candidates will be contacted. Should you not receive any correspondence from our company within 30 days, we regret your application has been unsuccessful